New armoured reinforcements for Russia's war effort in Ukraine
The Kurganmashzavod Corporation has prepared a new batch of equipment for Russian army units fighting in Ukraine. Photos and videos shared online show BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles and BMD-4M airborne infantry fighting vehicles ready for transport. What are the capabilities of this equipment?
Although the exact number of units has not been disclosed, it is worth noting that this is not the first delivery of BMP-3 and BMD-4M vehicles to the Russian army this year. After the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Russian authorities declared that the Kurganmashzavod plants (part of the Rostec corporation) would be among those where the production of military equipment would be increased. It is difficult to verify such declarations accurately, but Kurganmashzavod indeed seems to be one of the more efficient plants currently preparing weapons for Putin's units attacking Ukraine.
More BMP-3 and BMD-4M for the Russian army
Materials shared online confirm that the new vehicles have been equipped with additional features. In the photos, Russian soldiers will be able to use anti-drone cages. This additional protection is part of the equipment that can be quickly mounted upon delivery so as not to impede earlier transport.
The BMP-3 is an infantry fighting vehicle that was produced in 1987. It is a relatively unusual design, built on the lightweight amphibious tank Object 685 base. This translates to low armour durability and a tank-like construction (engine at the vehicle's rear) with uninsulated ammunition.
On the other hand, the BMP-3 is characterised by above-average armament. It has a 100 mm low-pressure cannon, an anti-tank missile launcher, a 30 mm automatic cannon, and 7.62 mm machine guns.
The BMP-3 weighs about 21 tonnes and measures over 7 metres in length. Its 500 hp engine allows it to move at a maximum speed of 70 km/h on land and about 10 km/h in water.
The newer BMD-4M, produced since 2015, is designed to be lighter, weighing about 14 tonnes. The vehicle was intended to provide significantly enhanced operational capabilities due to its ability to be dropped by parachute. In practice, however, it turns out that in Ukraine, BMD-4Ms are used like regular infantry fighting vehicles, leading to significant losses.
